The Eastern District of Louisiana's U.S. Attorney's Office has announced the collection of $879,562,972.18 in civil and criminal actions during Fiscal Year 2024. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson reported that $10,272,777.37 was collected from criminal actions, while $869,292,194.81 came from civil actions.
The U.S. Attorneys' Offices work alongside the department’s litigating divisions to enforce and collect debts owed to the U.S., as well as criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. Defendants are required by law to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is directed to the victim, fines and felony assessments are paid into the Crime Victims Fund for distribution to victim compensation and assistance programs.
Additionally, in collaboration with partner agencies and divisions, the office forfeited $2,070,396.92 in assets and seized 133 firearms connected to criminal activity in FY 2024. These assets were deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund for restoring funds to crime victims and other law enforcement purposes.
Significant examples include recovering $868,965,517 from BP Exploration & Production Inc., related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill; collecting approximately $3.7 million in restitution from hospice owner Shiva Akula through asset restraint; gathering about $1.2 million from Robert Calloway using Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provisions; securing roughly $1.5 million in penalties for an environmental crimes case involving Prive Overseas Marine and Prive Shipping; forfeiting cash and assets from Wayne Handy after his guilty plea on drug and gun charges; and seizing proceeds from Michelle Andre after her conviction for distributing misbranded contraceptives.
“These statistics demonstrate our continued commitment and dedication to crime victims and to the citizens of the Eastern District of Louisiana through the aggressive collection of civil judgments and criminal fines and restitution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson expressed gratitude towards Asset Forfeiture Assistant United States Attorney Alexandra Giavotella, Financial Litigation Assistant United States Attorney Churita Hansell, along with support professionals Jerrilyn A. Dufauchard, Laquana Bates, Christina Garcia, Danielle Smith-Graham, Megan Snow, David Vigier, and Monica Washington for their contributions toward justice.